Pretty Fizzy: Matcha-ginger soda with lemon

It’s the perfect soda for the Lunar New Year! Matcha green tea powder is a finely milled tea that has great antioxidant properties. Paired with the ginger, this combination makes for one sparkly, Asian-inspired drink.

For the ginger simple syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

5-inch piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the ginger and remove from heat. Let sit for 30 minutes. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (or so).

Makes about 3/4 cup simple syrup.

For the soda:

3 teaspoons ginger simple syrup

2 ice cubes

soda water

1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder

squeeze of lemon

In a small glass, add the simple syrup, ice cubes and enough soda water to fill the rest of the glass. Add the matcha powder and a squeeze of lemon. Pour the mixture into another larger cup, then back to the smaller; repeat about three times to mix completely.

* We’re stirring in some simple syrup and sipping on soda pop this month. See all of our Pretty Fizzy soda recipes here.